Anticipations for the cryptocurrency market in 2026 are soaring, fueled by growing interest in alternative assets and clearer regulatory frameworks.
Zach Pandl, Head of Research at Grayscale, believes that a more favorable regulatory landscape will bolster the crypto industry. Simultaneously, weakening traditional currencies are expected to increase demand for digital assets. These combined factors might propel Bitcoin’s value to unprecedented levels.
Legislation on Market Structure Set to Boost Token Issuance
The crypto space has undergone remarkable transformation since its inception in 2008, with especially rapid advancements over the last year.
Milestones like the approval of cryptocurrency exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and enactment of the GENIUS Act have helped bridge digital currencies with conventional finance; however, significant progress is still needed.
Pandl highlights that passing a bipartisan market structure bill is crucial next step. Although delays occurred due to government shutdowns and political disputes throughout 2025, he anticipates Senate approval early this year.
“We appear on track for passage either in January or during Q1,” Pandl shared during an interview with CNBC. “Even if it doesn’t happen immediately… bipartisan cooperation remains essential.”
We had an excellent discussion today with Chairmen @SenatorTimScott and @JohnBoozman confirming markup for Clarity is scheduled for January. Thanks to their leadership along with @RepFrenchHill and @CongressmanGT from the House—we’re closer than ever before to landmark crypto legislation…
— David Sacks (@davidsacks47) December 18, 2025
Pandl stressed that such bipartisan legislation would allow companies—from emerging startups to Fortune 500 giants—to incorporate token issuance as part of their standard capital structures alongside traditional financial instruments.
He also pointed out that broader economic trends will positively influence Bitcoin’s price trajectory.
The Perfect Storm Brewing For Bitcoin’s Record High
Despite Bitcoin’s subdued performance during late 2025, Pandl forecasts a turnaround this year for the leading cryptocurrency.
The Grayscale Digital Asset Outlook for 2026 projects Bitcoin reaching new all-time highs within H1. Several key elements underpin this optimistic forecast according to Pandl.
Grayscale’s Digital Asset Outlook for 2026 introduces ten themes heralding what we call “The Dawn of The Institutional Era.”
Our initial three themes set expectations while more insights follow.
From Grayscale—the world’s largest investment platform focused exclusively on digital assets¹. Click below ⬇️
— Grayscale (@Grayscale) December 17, 2025
“I anticipate [in] 2026 we’ll see dollar weakness alongside Federal Reserve rate reductions plus strength across gold, silver… as well as cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ether serving increasingly as digital stores of value.”
“All these should benefit greatly from current macroeconomic conditions,”
This outlook combined with anticipated legislative progress around market structure bills will further enhance positive price momentum.
An expanding adoption base will accelerate ETF launches offering investors diversified exposure across various crypto assets portfolios.
As cryptocurrency markets mature further , Pand l predicts certain outdated narratives may fade away .
The Decline Of Digital Asset Treasuries?
While digital asset treasuries (DATs) gained traction throughout 2025 ,Pand l considers them somewhat misleading moving forward , labeling them a &ldquo ; red herring .&rdquo ;
He criticized their accumulation strategy — characterized by infrequent buying or selling — which generally keeps prices near fair valuation .
& quot ; They won’t disappear entirely since some investors prefer accessing cryptocurrencies through publicly traded equity vehicles , but they probably won’t be major forces driving valuations either way ,& quot ; explained Pand l .
Instead , attention is expected shift toward factors creating real value : wider accessibility , enhanced usability , plus products capable translating demand into tangible market impact .
The article originally appeared on BeInCrypto under title: “Grayscale Predicts Bitcoin Will Reach New All-Time High by March 2026.”